Unique Makhana Kheer Variations for Dessert Lovers

Makar Sankranti tops the list of festivals that Indians love to celebrate. Celebrating the winter harvest has much to do with farming practices in India. It has much to do with delicious cuisines from across the country. The festival, celebrated on January 14 every year, is celebrated under different names in different Indian cultures. Yet it's food that forms the largest part. As if celebrating the Sun's crossing over into Capricorn, the festival leaves trails of traditional dishes that tend to unite people across a whole country.

Among other delicacies that take on prime importance during Makar Sankranti lies your beloved dessert Makhana Kheer. This rich dish is made from fox nuts-often referred to as 'makhana'-while retaining richness with cream, this would seem to be a homely, wholesome delight indeed. Perfect for the evenings during January. Traditionally prepared with milk and a touch of sugar, Makhana Kheer is a versatile dessert that can be easily modified to suit diverse tastes. Whether you’re a fan of experimenting with ingredients or prefer to stick to traditional flavours, Makhana Kheer can be a great recipe for unique twists. Here are some creative variations to make this Makar Sankranti extra special with a dessert everyone will love.

Recipe for Makhana Kheer

Ingredients:

• 1 cup makhana (fox nuts)
• 4 cups full fat milk
• 2-3 tablespoons sugar, adjust as required
• 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
• 6-8 cardamom pods, powder them
• 10-12 cashews and almonds, chop them
• Pinch of saffron strands
• 2 tablespoons rosewater, optional

Method:

Roast the makhana in a pan using a few drops of ghee so that it gets golden brown and crispy. Once done, set them aside to cool. In the same pan add milk and bring it to boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer and thicken. To this milk add sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron strands stirring constantly. Once it thickens and reaches creamy consistency, add the roasted makhana and let it simmer for another 10 minutes allowing the makhana to absorb the flavor. Finally garnish with chopped nuts and rose water. Kheer may be enjoyed warm or let it cool before serving.

8 Unique Variations to Add to Makhana Kheer for Dessert Enthusiasts

Saffron and Almond Makhana Kheer

Add the flavor of saffron to your Makhana Kheer. Soaking a few strands of saffron in warm milk enhances both the color and aroma of the kheer. Slivers of almonds will also give a nice crunch, adding a further layer of texture to the creamy dish.

Coconut Makhana Kheer

Add a tropical twist to this kheer by adding grated coconut in it. The shredded coconut gives the dish a luscious chewy mouthfeel, complementing that smoothness of milk itself. You can also enhance the flavor by adding a little coconut milk to make this dish extra creamy.

Chocolate Makhana Kheer

For those who cannot resist chocolate, this version is a feast. Melt a couple of pieces of dark chocolate and mix it into the kheer once done. The richness of chocolate mixes perfectly with the makhana, thereby making the dessert rich in an indulgent way.

Rose Water Makhana Kheer

Rose water is a few drops that make all the difference. The fragrance of the kheer becomes so aromatic, and the addition of the flowers gives it a contrasting elegant note. This version is apt for any festive meal as it savors the flavor making the whole dining experience aromatic and flavorsome.

Kesar Pista Makhana Kheer

For a rich indulgence, include ground pistachios and saffron in your kheer. Pistachios add nutty richness, while saffron gives a beautiful golden color and fragrant essence. This variation is perfect to impress guests during Makar Sankranti.

Ginger and Jaggery Makhana Kheer

Add some heat to your kheer with fresh grated ginger and jaggery. This is yet another variation that takes inspiration from traditional Indian sweets and can substitute sugar with a healthier alternative. The spice from ginger along with the deep sweetness of jaggery makes for a one-of-a-kind blend.

Banana Makhana Caramel Kheer

The caramelized bananas will add natural sweetness and a fruity flavor to your Makhana Kheer. The bananas go well with creamy milk and crunchy makhana, providing a warm, comforting, and homely dessert.

Pistachio and Rose Petal Makhana Kheer

For a more sophisticated twist, add crushed pistachios and edible rose petals to your kheer. The pistachios bring a crunch while the rose petals give it that lovely floral fragrance that gives it a royal status as fit for festivals like Makar Sankranti.

3 Tips for Perfect Makhana Kheer

Roast Makhana for Extra Crunch

The makhana should be roasted in ghee to ensure that they are crunchy and crispy. This gives a stunning texture to the kheer and allows the milk to infuse into the makhana better. Don't skip this because it will enhance the total experience of the dessert.

Use Full-Fat Milk for Creaminess

Using full-fat milk will give the best kheer a rich, creamy consistency. High fat will help thicken it without adding any starches to thicken, thus providing a smooth mouthfeel while indulging in the food. If you want it lighter, then you may use low-fat milk; however, the richness is slightly decreased.

Let It Rest

Let it rest for some time before serving. It has the tendency to get mixed properly over time, creating harmonious taste. The makhana will soak up a little more liquid, hence that delightful balance between the creaminess and crunch will prevail. You can refrigerate it too for the chilled version.